Statesville Convention & Visitors Bureau Hosts Third Annual Celebrate Statesville Tourism Summit and Awards Ceremony

The Statesville Convention & Visitors Bureau (SCVB) successfully hosted its third annual Celebrate Statesville Tourism Summit and Awards Ceremony yesterday, bringing together nearly 200 attendees from across the community and region to recognize the pivotal role tourism plays in economic development. This year’s event highlighted the undeniable impact of tourism in strengthening local businesses and creating a thriving, welcoming community.

City Manager Ron Smith kicked off the day with opening remarks, setting an enthusiastic tone for Statesville as a community that not only welcomes visitors but also cultivates opportunities for growth, both economically and culturally. He introduced Chris Cavanaugh, President of Magellan Strategy Group, whose keynote, “Charting Tomorrow’s Tourism: Visionary Insights for Statesville and Iredell County,” underscored the innovative potential of the local tourism industry.

Throughout the event, attendees heard from industry thought leaders who inspired with innovative insights and strategies. AJ Brau, CEO of Wander Maps, spoke on curating interactive travel experiences, followed by Buzz Bizzell from Bizzell Designs, who emphasized the importance of gateway designs in creating lasting first impressions. Amanda Baker from Visit NC concluded the series of presentations, inviting Statesville to participate in the Outdoor NC initiative, highlighting the value of North Carolina's natural resources in driving tourism.

The event celebrated outstanding individuals and organizations that are instrumental in elevating Statesville’s tourism landscape. Awards were presented by Senator Vickie Sawyer and Mayor Costi Kutteh, with a special honor awarded to the NC Department of Transportation for their transformative work on the I-77 and I-40 interchange. This Visionary Award recognized the Department’s commitment to improving accessibility and connectivity, a crucial factor in Statesville’s growth as a tourism and economic hub. The newly completed interchange has opened new pathways for economic development, enhancing both visitor experiences and local business opportunities.

In a new tradition, this year’s honorees received the 'Pollinator' award, a custom, hand-crafted piece by local artisan Michele Wille, owner of Made to Encourage. Designed to symbolize the positive ripple effect of tourism, these unique awards will become the official recognition of tourism excellence in Statesville moving forward, embodying the spirit of growth and collaboration within the community.

Additional Award Honorees Included:

· Hotel of the Year – Best Western Recognized for setting a benchmark in hospitality, Best Western earned this award for its recent property remodel and invaluable partnership in supporting tourism, notably through the Cycle NC Mountains to Coast Race. Their commitment to continuous improvement exemplifies their role as an essential partner in Statesville’s success.

· Event of the Year – Full Bloom Film Festival This festival, a cultural cornerstone, celebrates the art of storytelling and brings vibrancy to Statesville by attracting filmmakers and audiences alike. Its organization, lineup, and dedication to fostering local talent elevate Statesville as a cultural destination.

· Attraction of the Year – Lake Norman State Park A natural treasure with breathtaking beauty, Lake Norman State Park offers an array of outdoor activities that have drawn countless nature enthusiasts to Statesville, enhancing the community’s reputation as a premier destination for outdoor recreation.

· Outstanding Ambassador – Shanda Bates, Hilton Garden Inn Shanda Bates’ exemplary leadership as General Manager fosters an environment where customer service and team dedication are paramount, ensuring every guest experience Statesville’s hospitality at its best.

· Lifetime Achievement Award – Bhupendra ‘Bob’ Shah Bhupendra Shah’s inspiring journey from a food chemist to a hospitality industry leader has left an indelible mark on Statesville, demonstrating his unwavering commitment to community growth and betterment.

· Tourism Trailblazer – Richard Griggs As Director of Recreation and Parks, Richard Griggs has advanced outdoor recreation in Statesville, paving the way for tourism growth through his dedicated partnership with the Convention & Visitors Bureau.

· Housekeeper of the Year – Clara Bautista, Holiday Inn Express Clara Bautista’s dedication over 14 years, from housekeeper to head housekeeper, exemplifies the commitment to excellence that defines Statesville’s hospitality industry, ensuring guests feel welcome and cared for.

· Unsung Hero – Scott Bustle, Statesville Recreation & Parks Scott Bustle’s unwavering dedication to maintaining a pristine environment in Downtown Statesville makes him a true hero. His work keeps the community vibrant and welcoming for all visitors.

· Hospitality Professional of the Year – Laurel Shea, Southern Distilling Known for her professionalism and unwavering support of Statesville tourism, Laurel Shea’s role as Tasting Room Manager at Southern Distilling ensures memorable experiences for visitors, making her an invaluable asset to the community.

· Co-opetition Partner – Visit Wytheville, VA Honored for their collaboration and support, Visit Wytheville exemplifies the spirit of

partnership that fosters mutual success. Together, Wytheville and Statesville demonstrate how cooperation between communities strengthens tourism and creates shared growth.

The event concluded with closing remarks from SCVB Board Chair Jimmy Patel, who expressed gratitude for the ongoing support of Statesville’s tourism champions and emphasized the collective effort required to propel Statesville into a new era of growth and recognition.

"We’re proud of our city and its incredible potential to be a premier destination in North Carolina," Patel remarked. "With the dedication of community leaders, business owners, and ambassadors, we’re cultivating not just an industry, but a future that benefits all residents and visitors."

This year’s Celebrate Statesville Tourism Summit and Awards Ceremony highlighted the remarkable synergy between tourism and economic development, affirming that tourism is indeed the fertilizer of a thriving community. The SCVB is committed to continuing its mission to promote Statesville as a top destination, drawing visitors to experience all that our community has to offer.